CM Maryam orders strict action against child abuse, rape, corruption

LAHORE, Jul 29 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday ordered strict legal action against those involved in rape, child abuse and corruption, directing authorities to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against crimes targeting women and children.

Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order here, the chief minister reviewed the province’s security situation and called for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate rape, child abuse and corruption.

She was informed that the Safe City Project had been completed in all 43 districts of Punjab and would be formally inaugurated soon. The chief minister approved the installation of more than 2,000 additional Safe City cameras in Lahore and directed the expansion of the project to 98 more tehsils as well as riverine (Katcha) areas.

The meeting was told that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) had established a dedicated cell to monitor blasphemy-related cases, while a Special Cyber Unit would be created to tackle cybercrime. Additional personnel were also being inducted to strengthen security and development in tribal areas.

CM Maryam Nawaz directed that mobile police stations should provide services at citizens’ doorsteps, saying that if people could not reach police stations, the police should reach them instead. She observed that the establishment of the Crime Control Department (CCD) had contributed to a significant decline in the provincial crime rate.

Declaring the protection of women and children her “red line”, the chief minister reiterated that no leniency would be shown towards offenders involved in crimes against vulnerable groups.

The meeting was further informed that 29,000 body-worn cameras would be provided to police personnel by the first week of September to improve transparency and accountability.

Officials also briefed the meeting that the registration of Imams had been completed and Rs10 billion had been released for more than 72,000 Imams across the province.

The CM was informed that more than 139,000 illegally residing foreign nationals had been repatriated so far. During 2026, 23,243 illegal foreign nationals had been deported, while 5,127 illegal Afghan nationals were shifted to holding centres during the first six months of the year.

The meeting was also told that documentary and biometric verification of over 1.25 million people had been completed across Punjab, while all arrangements had been finalised to ensure the transparent conduct of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).